U.S. patent application number 15/460837 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-20 for radio frequency identification smart inspection assurance cap.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jiffy-tite Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Bradley C. Fremont.
Application Number | 20180266602 15/460837 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63519912 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180266602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fremont; Bradley C. |
September 20, 2018 |
RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SMART INSPECTION ASSURANCE CAP
Abstract
A radio frequency identification (RFID) smart inspection
assurance cap, including a body having a through-bore, an outer
surface, and an inner surface and, an RFID circuit including an
RFID chip a first circuit lead connected to the RFID chip, and a
second circuit lead connected to the RFID chip, the first circuit
lead and the second circuit lead electrically disconnected from one
another, deactivating the RFID chip wherein the RFID smart
inspection assurance cap is operatively arranged on a fluid
connector, the first circuit lead is arranged to contact the fluid
connector, the second circuit lead is arranged to contact the fluid
connector, wherein the RFID circuit is completed when the first
circuit lead and the second circuit lead simultaneously contact the
fluid connector.
Inventors: |
Fremont; Bradley C.;
(Tonawanda, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jiffy-tite Co., Inc. |
Lancaster |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63519912 |
Appl. No.: |
15/460837 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 35/00 20130101;
F16L 2201/10 20130101; G06K 19/0716 20130101; F16L 37/0985
20130101; G06K 19/07758 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 35/00 20060101
F16L035/00; F16L 37/098 20060101 F16L037/098; G06K 19/077 20060101
G06K019/077 |
Claims
1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) smart inspection
assurance cap, comprising: a body comprising: a through-bore; an
outer surface; and, an inner surface; and, an RFID circuit
comprising: an RFID chip; a first circuit lead connected to said
RFID chip; and, a second circuit lead connected to said RFID chip,
said first circuit lead and said second circuit lead electrically
disconnected from one another, deactivating said RFID chip; wherein
said RFID smart inspection assurance cap is operatively arranged on
a fluid connector, said first circuit lead is arranged to contact
said fluid connector, said second circuit lead is arranged to
contact said fluid connector, wherein said RFID circuit is
completed when said first circuit lead and said second circuit lead
simultaneously contact said fluid connector.
2. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 1,
wherein said RFID circuit is embedded within said body of said
assurance cap.
3. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 1,
wherein said RFID circuit is arranged on said outer surface of said
body of said assurance cap.
4. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 1,
wherein said fluid connector comprises an electrical conducting
section to complete said RFID circuit.
5. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 1,
wherein said fluid connector is made of an electrical conducting
material.
6. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 1,
wherein said RFID smart inspection assurance cap is fully seated on
said fluid connector when said first circuit lead and said second
circuit lead contact said fluid connector.
7. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 1,
wherein said RFID chip activates when said RFID smart inspection
assurance cap is fully seated on said fluid connector.
8. A fluid connector assembly, comprising: a fluid connector
comprising a through-bore; to a tubular connector arranged in said
through-bore of said fluid connector; and, a radio frequency
identification (RFID) smart inspection assurance cap operatively
arranged to connect to said fluid connector, the RFID smart
inspection assurance cap, comprising: a body comprising: a
through-bore; an outer surface; and, an inner surface; and, an RFID
circuit comprising: an RFID chip; a first circuit lead connected to
said RFID chip; and, a second circuit lead connected to said RFID
chip, said first circuit lead and said second circuit lead
electrically disconnected from one another, deactivating said RFID
chip; wherein said RFID smart inspection assurance cap is
operatively arranged on a fluid connector, said first circuit lead
is arranged to contact said fluid connector, said second circuit
lead is arranged to contact said fluid connector, wherein said RFID
circuit is completed when said first circuit lead and said second
circuit lead simultaneously contact said fluid connector.
9. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 8,
wherein said RFID circuit is embedded within said body of said
assurance cap.
10. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 8,
wherein said RFID circuit is arranged on said outer surface of said
body of said assurance cap.
11. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 8,
wherein said fluid connector comprises an electrical conducting
section to complete said RFID circuit.
12. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 8,
wherein said fluid connector is made of an electrical conducting
material.
13. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 8,
wherein said RFID smart inspection assurance cap is fully seated on
said fluid connector when said first circuit lead and said second
circuit lead contact said fluid connector.
14. A radio frequency identification (RFID) smart inspection
assurance cap, comprising: a body comprising: a through-bore
axially arranged within said body; an inner surface formed by said
through-bore; and, an aperture arranged radially within said body;
and, a sensor ring slidably arranged within said through-bore and
in contact with said inner surface.
15. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 14,
wherein said sensor ring comprising an RFID chip.
16. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 14,
wherein said RFID smart inspection assurance cap is operatively
arranged to connect to a fluid connector.
17. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 15,
wherein in a first state, said RFID chip is prevented from
communication by said body.
18. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 15,
wherein in a second state, said sensor ring is operatively arranged
to allow communication of said RFID chip via said aperture.
19. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 18,
wherein said RFID smart inspection assurance cap is fully seated on
said fluid connector when said sensor ring is in said second
state.
20. The RFID smart inspection assurance cap as recited in claim 15,
further comprising a tubular connector arranged within said
through-bore of said body.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a fluid connector, and,
more specifically, to a fluid connector including a radio frequency
identification (RFID) chip arranged on or within an assurance cap
to allow position testing of the cap with RFID detection means to
reduce possible leak paths of the fluid connector.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fluid connectors are integral components for many
applications, and especially for automotive applications. Since an
automotive system is made up of various components such as a
radiator, transmission, and engine, fluid must be able to travel
not only within each component but also between components. An
example of fluid traveling between components is the transmission
fluid traveling from the transmission to the transmission oil
cooler in order to lower the temperature of the transmission fluid.
Fluid predominantly moves between components via flexible or rigid
hoses which connect to each component by fluid connectors.
[0003] When fluid connectors are secured to devices such as
radiators, tubular connectors inserted into these fluid connectors
may not be fully seated and allow leak paths to form once the
assembly is pressurized. Current tubular connectors include a
witness bead which is used as a visual indicator of proper sealing,
but these witness beads are not always reliable as it is dependent
on a human user to check.
[0004] In addition to a witness bead, an assurance cap may be used
to further secure and verify the tubular connector is properly
inserted into the fluid connector. The assurance cap is installed
concentrically about the tubular connector and snaps over an outer
circumference of the fluid connector. In some instances, the
assurance cap may only partially secure to the fluid connector
since these fluid connectors are typically installed in the
confined spaces of an engine bay of an automobile. Moreover, a user
may not be able to hear the audible "click" sound when the
assurance cap fully secures to the fluid connector, leading to the
tubular connector blowing out of the fluid connector since it was
not fully installed.
[0005] Thus, there has been a long-felt need for an assurance cap
which can be secured to a fluid connector which allows a user to
positively ensure that the assurance cap is properly seated such
that the tubular connector is secured within the fluid connector
and that the assurance cap is secured to the fluid connector.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure broadly includes a radio frequency
identification (RFID) smart inspection assurance cap, including a
body having a through-bore, an outer surface, and an inner surface
and, an RFID circuit including an RFID chip, a first circuit lead
connected to the RFID chip, and a second circuit lead connected to
the RFID chip, the first circuit lead and the second circuit lead
electrically disconnected from one another, deactivating the RFID
chip
[0007] wherein the RFID smart inspection assurance cap is
operatively arranged on a fluid connector, the first circuit lead
is arranged to contact the fluid connector, the second circuit lead
is arranged to contact the fluid connector, wherein the RFID
circuit is completed when the first circuit lead and the second
circuit lead simultaneously contact the fluid connector.
[0008] Additionally, the present disclosure broadly includes a
fluid connector assembly including a fluid connector having a
through-bore, a tubular connector arranged in the through-bore of
the fluid connector, and an RFID smart inspection assurance cap
operatively arranged to connect to the fluid connector, the RFID
smart inspection assurance cap including a body having a
through-bore, an outer surface, and an inner surface and, an RFID
circuit including an RFID chip a first circuit lead connected to
the RFID chip, and a second circuit lead connected to the RFID
chip, the first circuit lead and the second circuit lead
electrically disconnected from one another, deactivating the RFID
chip wherein the RFID smart inspection assurance cap is operatively
arranged on a fluid connector, the first circuit lead is arranged
to contact the fluid connector, the second circuit lead is arranged
to contact the fluid connector, wherein the RFID circuit is
completed when the first circuit lead and the second circuit lead
simultaneously contact the fluid connector.
[0009] Even further, the present disclosure broadly includes an
RFID smart inspection assurance cap, including a body having a
through-bore axially arranged within the body, an outer surface, an
inner surface, and an aperture arranged radially within the body,
and a sensor ring arranged within the through-bore and in contact
with the inner surface, the sensor ring comprising an RFID
chip.
[0010] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of
the following detailed description, in view of the drawings and
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The nature and mode of operation of the present disclosure
will now be more fully described in the following detailed
description of the disclosure taken with the accompanying figures,
in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid connector and a
first example embodiment of an assurance cap assembly;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the fluid
connector;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the fluid
connector;
[0015] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the first example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0016] FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the first example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector and
the first example embodiment of the assurance cap assembly taken
generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fluid connector and a
second example embodiment of an assurance cap assembly;
[0019] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of the second example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0020] FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the second example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector and
the second example embodiment of the assurance cap assembly taken
generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fluid connector and a
third example embodiment of an assurance cap assembly;
[0023] FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of the third example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0024] FIG. 9B is a rear perspective view of the third example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector and
the third example embodiment of the assurance cap assembly taken
generally along line 10-10 in FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fluid connector and a
fourth example embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0027] FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of the fourth example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0028] FIG. 12B is a rear perspective view of the fourth example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector and
the fourth example embodiment of the assurance cap assembly taken
generally along line 13-13 in FIG. 11;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fluid connector and a
fifth example embodiment of an assurance cap assembly;
[0031] FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of the fifth example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0032] FIG. 15B is a rear perspective view of the fifth example
embodiment of the assurance cap assembly;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sensor ring;
[0034] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector
and the fifth example embodiment of the assurance cap assembly not
fully seated on the fluid connector taken generally along line
17-17 in FIG. 14; and,
[0035] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector
and the fifth example embodiment of the assurance cap assembly
fully seated on the fluid connector taken generally along line
17-17 in FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements of the disclosure. It is
to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the
disclosed aspects.
[0037] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not
limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications
described and, as such, may, of course, vary. It is also understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of
the claims.
[0038] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.
[0039] Furthermore, as used herein, "and/or" is intended to mean a
grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the
elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For
example, a device comprising a first element, a second element
and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of
the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first
element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising
a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second
element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a
device comprising a first element, a second element and a third
element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third
element.
[0040] Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of fluid connector 100 and a first example embodiment of assurance
cap assembly 200. Assurance cap assembly 200 secures to fluid
connector 100 on section 101 (shown in FIG. 2). Section 102 of
fluid connector 100 comprises threads 104 which allow fluid
connector 100 to secure to an apparatus such as a transmission,
radiator, oil cooler, etc. Fluid connector 100 also includes head
110 which allows a user to use a tool such as a wrench to screw
fluid connector 100 into a corresponding apparatus (not shown).
Through-bore 103 (shown in FIG. 2) is arranged in the center of
fluid connector 100 and passes through the whole body of fluid
connector 100.
[0041] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are a front perspective view and a rear
perspective view, respectively, of fluid connector 100. Fluid
connector 100 comprises section 101 and section 102.
[0042] Section 101 includes snap ring 106, outer surface 108, inner
surface 112, shoulder 113, shoulder surface 114, shoulder 116, and
channel 118. Snap ring 106 is arranged within apertures 107 of
fluid connector 100 and secures tubular connector 800 (shown in
FIG. 4) within through-bore 103 of fluid connector 100.
[0043] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are a front perspective view and a rear
perspective view, respectively, of the first example embodiment of
assurance cap assembly 200. Assurance cap assembly 200 broadly
comprises body 201, channel 202, through-bore 204, lips 205, arms
206, tabs 207, sensor arm 210, surface 211, and sensor circuit 300.
Channel 202 is arranged to allow tubular connector 800 (shown in
FIG. 4) and a hose to be concentrically arranged within body 201.
Tubular connector 800 (shown in FIG. 4) is arranged within channel
202 and then pressed into through-bore 204, deforming lips 205.
Once tubular connector 800 (shown in FIG. 4) is arranged within
through-bore 204, lips 205 return to their original position to
further secure tubular connector 800 within through-bore 204. Arms
206 extend axially from body 201 and are operatively arranged to
secure assurance cap assembly 200 to fluid connector 100. Tabs 207
are operatively arranged on the distal ends of arms 206. The
geometry of arms 206 and tabs 207 allow for tabs 207 to deform
around shoulder 116 and secure within channel 118 of fluid
connector 100. This interaction between channel 118 and tabs 207
secure assurance cap assembly 200 to fluid connector 100. Sensor
arm 210 houses sensor circuit 300, with sensor circuit 300 embedded
within sensor arm 210. Sensor arm 210 is show as a cutaway in order
to improve clarity of sensor circuit 300. Sensor circuit 300
comprises circuit leads 302, RFID chip 304, and antenna 306.
Circuit leads 302 axial extend and protrude from surface 211 of
sensor arm 210. Additionally, circuit leads 302 are operatively
arranged to not engage one another in such a way which would
complete and allow electricity to flow through sensor circuit
300.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connector 100 and
the first example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 200 taken
generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 1. As shown in the figure, sensor
circuit 300 only activates when circuit leads 302 are in contact
with fluid connector 100. In an example embodiment, fluid connector
100 is made of an electrical conducting material such as metal.
However, it should be appreciated that fluid connector 100 only
requires an electrical conducting section to complete sensor
circuit 300. The electrical conducting section only needs to be
arranged on fluid connector 100 in such a way as to allow circuit
leads 302 to complete sensor circuit 300. An example of an
electrical conducting section of fluid connector 100 comprises head
110 made of an electrical conducting material, while the remainder
of fluid connector 100 is made of a non-conducting material such as
plastic. In order for circuit leads 302 to reach fluid connector
100, tabs 207 must be arranged within channel 118. If tabs 207 are
not arranged within channel 118, assurance cap assembly 200 is not
properly seated on fluid connector 100. If assurance cap assembly
200 is not properly seated on fluid connector 100, then sensor
circuit 300 will not be completed and RFID chip 304 will be unable
to be scanned by an RFID reader by a technician during installation
of assurance cap assembly 200. This lack of a reading is an
indication to the technician that assurance cap assembly 200 is not
properly seated on fluid connector 100 and must be reset. The
completion of sensor circuit 300 due to the contact of circuit
leads 302 with fluid connector 100 is due to the geometry of
shoulder 116, channel 118, arms 206, tabs 207, sensor arm 210 and
sensor circuit 300. Tubular connector 800 is represented in FIG. 4
as a dashed outline for clarity. It should be understood that
tubular connector 800 is a solid body arranged within the assembly.
Additionally, it should be understood that tubular connector 800 is
arranged in each and every embodiment of an assurance cap assembly
contained within this disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of fluid connector 100 and a
second example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 200. The second
example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 200 is structurally
substantially identical to the first example embodiment of
assurance cap assembly 200 except for the sensor which is placed on
the assurance cap assembly. The second example embodiment of
assurance cap assembly 200 includes sensor circuit 400. Sensor
circuit 400 comprises circuit leads 402, RFID chip 404, and antenna
406. Circuit leads 402 axially extend and protrude from sensor arm
220. Additionally, circuit leads 402 are operatively arranged to
not engage one another in such a way which would complete sensor
circuit 400 and allow electricity to flow through sensor circuit
400.
[0046] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are a front perspective view and a rear
perspective view, respectively, of the second example embodiment of
assurance cap assembly 200. Sensor circuit 400 is operatively
arranged on surface 221 of sensor arm 220. In an example
embodiment, sensor circuit 400 is arranged on a substrate prior to
being placed on sensor arm 220, similar to a sticker or the like.
However, it should be appreciated that sensor circuit 400 can be
integral with sensor arm 220 or arranged directly on surface 221 of
sensor arm 220.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connector 100 and
the second example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 200 taken
generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 5. As shown in the figure, sensor
circuit 400 only activates when circuit leads 402 are in contact
with fluid connector 100. In an example embodiment, fluid connector
100 is made of an electrical conducting material such as metal.
However, it should be appreciated that fluid connector 100 only
requires an electrical conducting section to complete sensor
circuit 400. The electrical conducting section only needs to be
arranged on fluid connector 100 in such a way as to allow circuit
leads 402 to complete sensor circuit 400. An example of an
electrical conducting section of fluid connector 100 comprises head
110 made of an electrical conducting material while the remainder
of fluid connector 100 is made of a non-conducting material, such
as plastic. In order for circuit leads 402 to reach fluid connector
100, tabs 207 must be arranged within channel 118. If tabs 207 are
not arranged within channel 118, assurance cap assembly 200 is not
properly seated on fluid connector 100. If assurance cap assembly
200 is not properly seated on fluid connector 100, then sensor
circuit 400 will not be completed and RFID chip 404 will be unable
to be scanned by an RFID reader by a technician during installation
of assurance cap assembly 200. This lack of a reading is an
indication to the technician that assurance cap assembly 200 is not
properly seated on fluid connector 100 and must be reset. The
completion of sensor circuit 400 due to the contact of circuit
leads 402 with fluid connector 100 is due to the geometry of
shoulder 116, channel 118, arms 206, tabs 207, sensor arm 220 and
sensor circuit 400.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of fluid connector 100 and a
third example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 500.
[0049] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are a front perspective view and a rear
perspective view, respectively, of the third example embodiment of
assurance cap assembly 500. Assurance cap assembly 500 broadly
includes body 501, tabs 502, surface 503, through-bore 504, edge
506, tab 507, and sensor circuit 400. Tabs 502 further secure
tubular connector 800 and/or hose concentrically within
through-bore 504. Sensor circuit 400 is operatively arranged on
surface 503 of body 501. In an example embodiment, sensor circuit
400 is arranged on a substrate prior to being placed on surface
503, similar to a sticker or the like. However, it should be
appreciated that sensor circuit 400 can be integral with body 501
or arranged directly on surface 503 of body 501.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connector 100 and
the third example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 500 taken
generally along line 10-10 in FIG. 8. Assurance cap assembly 500
secures to fluid connector 100 via tab 507 operatively arranged on
edge 506. Tab 507 extends radially inward and secures within
channel 118 of fluid connector 100. Assurance cap assembly 500 is
manufactured from a material which allows tab 507 to deform enough
to move past shoulder 116 of fluid connector 100 when assurance cap
assembly 500 is assembled on fluid connector 100. As shown in the
figure, sensor circuit 400 only activates when circuit leads 402
are in contact with fluid connector 100. In order for circuit leads
402 to reach fluid connector 100, tab 507 must be arranged within
channel 118. If tab 507 is not arranged within channel 118,
assurance cap assembly 500 is not properly seated on fluid
connector 100. If assurance cap assembly 500 is not properly seated
on fluid connector 100, then sensor circuit 400 will not be
completed and will be unable to be scanned by an RFID reader by a
technician during installation of assurance cap assembly 500. This
lack of a reading is an indication to the technician that assurance
cap assembly 500 is not properly seated on fluid connector 100 and
must be reset. The completion of sensor circuit 400 due to the
contact of circuit leads 402 with fluid connector 100 is due to the
geometry of shoulder 116, channel 118, edge 506, tab 507, and
sensor circuit 400.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of fluid connector 100 and a
fourth example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 500. The fourth
example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 500 is structurally
substantially identical to the third example embodiment of
assurance cap assembly 500 except for the sensor which is placed on
the assurance cap assembly. The fourth example embodiment of
assurance cap assembly 500 includes sensor circuit 300.
[0052] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are a front perspective view and a
rear perspective view, respectively, of the fourth example
embodiment of assurance cap assembly 500. Surface 503 is show as a
cutaway in order to improve clarity of sensor circuit 300. Sensor
circuit 300 comprises circuit leads 302, RFID chip 304, and antenna
306. Circuit leads 302 axial extend and protrude from edge 506 of
body 501. Additionally, circuit leads 302 are operatively arranged
to not engage one another in such a way which would complete sensor
circuit 300 and allow electricity to flow through sensor circuit
300.
[0053] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connector 100 and
the fourth example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 500 taken
generally along line 13-13 in FIG. 11. As shown in the figure,
sensor circuit 300 only activates when circuit leads 302 are in
contact with fluid connector 100. The electrical conducting section
only needs to be arranged on fluid connector 100 in such a way as
to allow circuit leads 302 to complete sensor circuit 300. In order
for circuit leads 302 to reach fluid connector 100, tab 507 must be
arranged within channel 118. If tabs 507 are not arranged within
channel 118, assurance cap assembly 500 is not properly seated on
fluid connector 100. If assurance cap assembly 500 is not properly
seated on fluid connector 100, then sensor circuit 300 will not be
completed and RFID chip 304 will be unable to be scanned by an RFID
reader by a technician during installation of assurance cap
assembly 500. This lack of a reading is an indication to the
technician that assurance cap assembly 500 is not properly seated
on fluid connector 100 and must be reset. The completion of sensor
circuit 400 due to the contact of circuit leads 302 with fluid
connector 100 is due to the geometry of shoulder 116, channel 118,
edge 506, tab 507, and sensor circuit 300.
[0054] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of fluid connector 100 and a
fifth example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 600. The fifth
example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 600 is structurally
substantially identical to the third example embodiment of
assurance cap assembly 500 except for addition of apertures 605 and
the sensor which is corresponding to the assurance cap assembly.
The fifth example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 600 includes
sensor ring 700 operatively arranged in through-bore 604 of
assurance cap assembly 600.
[0055] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are a front perspective view and a
rear perspective view, respectively, of the fifth example
embodiment of assurance cap assembly 600. Assurance cap assembly
600 broadly includes body 601, tabs 602, surface 603, through-bore
604, apertures 605, edge 606, tab 607, and sensor ring 700. Tabs
602 further secure tubular connector 800 and/or a hose
concentrically within through-bore 604. Sensor ring 700 is slidably
arranged on surface 608 of body 601. Tab 607 extends radially
inward from edge 606 and secures within channel 118 of fluid
connector 110 (shown in FIG. 17B) when assurance cap assembly 600
is properly seated on fluid connector 100.
[0056] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of sensor ring 700. Sensor
ring 700 broadly includes body 701, sensor circuit 702, channel
704, and shoulders 706. Sensor circuit 702 includes RFID chip 708
and antenna 710. Unlike the previous assurance cap example
embodiments, sensor circuit 702 is a completed and connected RFID
circuit which allows for scanning of sensor circuit 702 with an
RFID scanner.
[0057] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of fluid connector 100
and the fifth example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 600 not
fully seated on fluid connector 100 taken generally along line
17-17 in FIG. 14. When body 601 is not fully seated on fluid
connector 100, sensor ring 700 is axially displaced from apertures
605. In an example embodiment, fluid connector 100 is manufactured
from a metallic material which prevents the transfer of
electromagnetic waves through its body. However, it should be
appreciated that any material which sufficiently blocks
electromagnetic waves can be used to manufacture fluid connector
100. Due to this electromagnetic signal blockage by fluid connector
100, sensor circuit 702 of sensor ring 700 cannot be scanned by a
technician, giving the technician notice that assurance cap
assembly 600 is not fully seated on fluid connector 100 and must be
reseated.
[0058] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of fluid connector 100
and the fifth example embodiment of assurance cap assembly 600
fully seated on fluid connector 100 taken generally along line
17-17 in FIG. 14. Once assurance cap assembly is placed on fluid
connector 100, a technician then axially slides assurance cap
assembly 600 towards fluid connector 100. This sliding motion
causes on of shoulders 706 of sensor ring 700 to abut against
surface 114 of shoulder 113 of fluid connector 100. This
interaction between shoulder 113 and shoulder 706 causes sensor
ring 700 to axially remain in place as body 601 is axially
displaced towards fluid connector 100. In a final assembled state,
sensor ring 700 is axially aligned with apertures 605 to allow
sensor circuit to interact with an RFID scanner. Apertures 605
allow for electromagnetic waves to reach sensor circuit 702 once
sensor ring is in the correct axial position. Once sensor ring 700
is in the correct axial position and sensor ring 702 can be
scanned, this indicates to a technician that assurance cap assembly
600 is fully seated on fluid connector 100.
[0059] In the foregoing description, example embodiments are
described. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0060] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the
above-disclosed disclosure and other features and functions, or
alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other
different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following
claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0061] 100 fluid connector
[0062] 101 section
[0063] 102 section
[0064] 103 through-bore
[0065] 104 threads
[0066] 106 snap ring
[0067] 107 aperture
[0068] 108 outer surface
[0069] 110 head
[0070] 112 inner surface
[0071] 113 shoulder
[0072] 114 surface
[0073] 116 shoulder
[0074] 118 surface
[0075] 200 assurance cap assembly
[0076] 201 body
[0077] 202 channel
[0078] 204 through-bore
[0079] 205 lips
[0080] 206 arms
[0081] 207 tabs
[0082] 210 sensor arm
[0083] 211 surface
[0084] 220 sensor arm
[0085] 221 surface
[0086] 300 sensor circuit
[0087] 302 circuit leads
[0088] 304 RFID chip
[0089] 306 antenna
[0090] 400 sensor circuit
[0091] 402 circuit leads
[0092] 404 RFID chip
[0093] 406 antenna
[0094] 500 assurance cap assembly
[0095] 501 body
[0096] 502 tabs
[0097] 503 surface
[0098] 504 through-bore
[0099] 506 edge
[0100] 507 tab
[0101] 600 assurance cap assembly
[0102] 601 body
[0103] 602 tabs
[0104] 603 surface
[0105] 604 through-bore
[0106] 605 apertures
[0107] 606 edge
[0108] 607 tab
[0109] 700 sensor ring
[0110] 701 body
[0111] 702 sensor circuit
[0112] 702A RFID chip
[0113] 702B antenna
[0114] 704 channel
[0115] 706 shoulder
[0116] 708 surface
[0117] 710 ring
[0118] 712 surface
[0119] 800 tubular connector
* * * * *